KVM ATEN CS1642A: Apple cs PC keyboard

[davorrr]

Instead of pressing the physical button on the Switch, there is a keyboard shortcut (2x CTRL, release, ENTER) to switch from one computer to another. This works only on a PC keyboard. My Apple keyboards seem to be incompatible for this specific feature of ATEN CS1642A. So I have on my desk an old ugly PC keyboard, just for switching between my macs. Crazy...

Does anyone have an idea for a more elegant solution?

 

[maflynn]

Does anyone have an idea for a more elegant solution?

Get a KVM that has physical buttons

Some KVMs "listen" for the key combination, so it sounds like the Mac uses different codes and that the KVM doesn't scan but uses buttons. Another solution is to use a wireless keyboard that offers 5.1 which can be paired to multiple computers.

 

[davorrr]

Thanks for the ideas.

That switch has a physical button, but there are plenty of cables connected to it, so I had to hide it away, not within a hand's reach.

Pairing a wired keyboard sounds cool, but there are also the mouse and the display, which I am also using on multiple macs.

 

[maflynn]

but there are also the mouse and the display, which I am also using on multiple macs.

True,
I use a KVM (not this specific model, though I may buy that one) in a mixed environment (PCs + Mac) and the Mac just doesn't play well with the KVM. Just not the hot key combo you mention, but just not waking up, or not recognizing my keyboard once I switch over to it. I purchased a rather cheap KVM, and that's probably why but I feel your pain

 

[davorrr]

I think I'll add one of the Elgato Stream Decks to my setup and configure 2 buttons for KVM switching to Mac & Win.